Spike, Brittany + Jamie

It was the last day of March that Spike’s Mums and I made a short trip to their local park for some family photos in the glorious golden light. Spike is an older boy at 9 years, and unfortunately not all together well. At our session he exuded joy and love despite his ailments and it was an honour to have had the opportunity to meet him.

How did Spike come into your world?

Spike was bought from RSPCA as Jamies family had a little staffy with separation anxiety, so reasonably they got him a dog! Spike moved out with his owner, Jamie’s brother, and after some time they moved back but Jamie’s brother found himself in a position unable to keep Spike. Jamie’s dad said we will need to look at giving him away.

At this point I had been staying with Jamie most nights for a few months and I had found myself with such a connection to Spike, and Jamie had always loved him. We pleaded with Jamie’s dad just to keep him until I found somewhere to live, so the agreement was made, 6 months and you both are secure in another house.

Years later, he is still our boy, in the same house that Jamie’s parents have moved out of and now this home will one day be ours. Jamie and I have been together for 7 years August 31st, moved in together the following April, and Spike has been our baby since then. His Gotcha Day is also considered my own Gotcha Day in her family.

How would you describe his personality?

The best way to describe Spike’s personality is to view the way he acts when you don’t seem yourself. Coming home and just feeling down is always fixed by Spike. It starts with a sit right in front of you as if to say “stop, take a minute and pat me”, then sometimes a jump up and a kiss but once you are down on his level he will put his paw on you and pull you closer, put his head on your shoulder and will stay there until you are ready to move. He is the most caring, loving little personality I have ever met.

If he could tell us all something about you, what would he say?

That we are the best mamas he has ever had and everyone should have lesbian mums. Oh, and Spike would rat me out to Jamie and say I keep his good snacks in the bedside drawer and sneak them in when mums sleeping. Spike would rat Jamie out to me and say that the reason the chicken in his dinner always seems less is because mum feeds more than just the fat trimmings to me.

What does he love to do the most?

Sunday mornings. Spike knows every Sunday morning he can get up and climb into bed with his mamas and cuddle.

What's everyday life like with your boy by your side?

We always have our best friend around us, our boy who knows when we are down and just how to fix it. That we always have our best boy just by our side, looking up at us like we are the best thing they have ever seen. Black dogs are your literal shadow, it’s like having someone in your life that loves you to the ends of the Earth. Spike manages to look us both in the eyes and tell us he loves us without being able to speak.

How has having your dog changed your life?

Spike changed everything, I have always had dogs but never one of my own. To have this amazing family member changed everything, he has given me the chance to grow up a little and learn to take care of him, but he has also always given Jamie and I this spark of life when we couldn’t find anything else. He give us both something to come home to. I never knew I could love a boy this much. Jamie has always loved Spike from when they got him us a puppy and she never would have imagined being so lucky to have him as her own.

Spike has been the most amazing boy his whole life, 9 years in April. Sadly we are having to think about the end of his life after a terrible diagnosis. Him being ill has not changed anything, if anything it has made everyday more special. I just want everyone to know who might have to go through this or has a special boy or girl at home. Make sure you only worry about cuddling them tight every night, really that’s all they want. That’s what the rest of Spikes amazing life with look like, cuddles, hair in the bed and cheeseburgers whenever he wants one.